Assessing the potential for openness: A framework for examining course-level OER implementation in higher education

Abstract

The implementation of open educational resources (OER) at the course level in higher education poses numerous challenges to education practitioners-ranging from discoverability challenges to the lack of knowledge on how to best localize and utilize OER as courseware. Drawing on case studies of OER initiatives globally, the article discusses field-tested solutions to addressing those challenges at the faculty level, the programmatic level, and institutional level. The article concludes with an ontological framework that highlights the importance of weighing the efficiencies afforded by a higher level of institutional control in OER implementation efforts, with the need for individual freedom on behalf of faculty to creatively use and adapt OER. Evaluando el potencial de lo "abierto": una estructura para examinar la implementación de los Recursos Educacionales Abiertos al nivel de curso en educación post-secundaria Resumen: La implementación de recursos educativos abiertos (REA) al nivel de curso en educación post-secundaria genera dificultades numerosas para los profesionales de la educación. Basándose en una revisión de la literatura vinculada a la implementación de los REA en programas de educación superior a nivel mundial, los autores identifican los principales desafíos que enfrentan los profesionales de educación, así como las estrategias para resolverlos. Por examinar las estrategias de implementación derivadas de la literatura previa, los autores identifican tipos variados de apoyo, los cuales se presentan como un continuum ontológico para asistir a los desarrolladores de los REA y quienes que toman decisiones institucionales, en cuanto a determinar métodos efectivos y políticas para cultivar prácticas educativas abiertas. El artículo concluye con una discusión de las implicaciones del continuum con respeto a los niveles de control y riesgo conllevado en utilizar el diverso rango de estrategias examinadas. Palabras clave: REA; Recursos Educativos Abiertos; estudios de caso; reutilización; colaboración; educación post-secundaria; políticas públicas; materiales de instrucción y practicas Avaliando o potencial do "aberto": um enquadramento para examinar a implementação dos REA ao nível do curso na educação superior Resumo: A implementação dos recursos educativos abertos ao nível do curso na educação superior apresenta desafios numerosos para os professionais de educação. Baseado numa revisão da literatura ligada à implementação dos REA em programas de educação superior á nível mundial, os autores identificam os principais desafios na implementação dos REA que enfrentam os professionais da educação assim como estratégias para resolvê-los. Ao examinar as estratégias de implementação aprendidas a partir da literatura, os autores identificam diferentes tipos de apoio que eles apresentam como um contínuo ontológica para ajudar os desenvolvedores de REA e os tomadores de decisões institucionais em determinar métodos e políticas eficazes para cultivar práticas educativas abertas. O artigo termina com uma discussão da...

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